Sewer Equipment Operator

Sewer Equipment Operator

Salary

$39.24 - $43.26 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5012-26A

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacomas Environment and Public Works Department invites you to apply to join our team as a Sewer Equipment Operator. We believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.

The Sewer Equipment Operator is a specialized position that requires knowledge and work experience in a variety of sewer maintenance equipment and vehicles that are used to clean, vacuum, and flush sewer lines and catch basins.

Essential Functions:

• Load and prepare trucks and equipment according to crew assignment. Transport workers and a variety of equipment, tools and materials to and from assigned job sites.
• Clean, service and maintain assigned trucks and equipment in safe working condition.
• Communicate with the public regarding sewer-related complaints; respond to and resolve emergencies as assigned.
• Assist sewer crew workers as needed in the performance of various sewer maintenance and repair duties.
• Set up work area and equipment as needed; set up traffic warning devices according to recognized safety procedures.
• Assess sewer systems using a variety of electronic technologies and equipment.
• Direct assigned personnel or crew to safely complete tasks.
• Work safely and cooperatively with co-workers and the public.

Other Functions:

• Maintain a variety of records, logs and lists, including completion of daily work orders/notifications, truck sheets and mobile dispatch technology.
• Maintain an effective working knowledge of the Citys sewer lines and locations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires lifting heavy objects, climbing and pushing up to 90 pounds.
• Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions.
• Required to respond to emergency call-outs during off duty hours.
• Employees in this position may be subject to driving from site to site, heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions; fumes, raw sewage, confined space and excavation hazards, prolonged periods of noise and potentially hazardous materials.

Work Schedule

This classification is overtime eligible, and employees are subject to a 24-hour call-out response to emergencies. The positions follow a 9/80 schedule, defined as follows: during a two-week pay period, employees work four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, and one eight (8) hour day on Friday in the first week. The second week consists of four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, with a one-half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch break each workday, and Friday is a non-working day.

Week 1LunchHoursWeek 2LunchHoursMonday-Thursday30 Minutes

Unpaid 9Monday-Thursday30 Minutes

Unpaid9*Friday30 Minutes

Unpaid 8*Friday30 Minutes

Unpaid0

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An equivalent combination to:

Graduation from high school or GED

AND

Two (2) years as a sewer worker or equivalent experience, including training or experience operating specialized sewer equipment

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to minimum qualifications:

Experience in repairing, maintaining, and cleaning storm and sewer lines.

Work experience operating dump trucks, Vactor trucks and back cutters.

Willing to work Swing Shift work schedule.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Washington State Class A Commercial drivers license with N (tanker) endorsement at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Position is subject to random CDL drug testing.

Knowledge & Skills

• Operation, care and maintenance of sewer maintenance trucks/equipment and accessories.
• Requirements of operating equipment in a safe manner.
• Applicable traffic laws, ordinances and rules.
• Maintain routine records and prepare routine reports using proper record-keeping techniques.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Citys sewer system locations using GIS mapping and City of Tacoma GovMe/ESRI websites.
• Safely operate a variety of sewer maintenance trucks and equipment.
• Operate, service, and make minor repairs on equipment.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Develop and maintain interpersonal relationship skills.
• Maintain records and reports including wireless devices and electronic record keeping.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Quickly learn City streets and sewer system locations.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Veterans and or qualifying spouses/domestic partners wishing to be considered for veterans preference must attach a copy of DD214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at the time of application to be considered for veterans preference.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Supplemental Questions

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #9 to #11 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with 'see resume' in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Applicants invited to interview may also participate in a practical skills assessment to demonstrate their ability to operate sewer equipment.

Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $39.24 - $43.26

Annual Salary: $81,619.20 - $89,980.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a high school graduate or equivalent, such as a General Education Degree or Home Schooling certificate?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have two years as a sewer worker, or equivalent experience, including training or experience operating specialized sewer equipment?

• Yes
• No

04

The successful candidate for this position will need to have a Washington State Class A Commercial Drivers License with Tanker Endorsement by their first day of work if offered the job.

Do you currently or will you have a valid Washington State Class A Commercial drivers license with N (tanker) endorsement at time of appointment if you are selected for this job?

• Yes
• No

05

This position has both day and swing shift work schedules. Are you available to work swing shift?

• Yes
• No

06

This position is physically demanding and requires you to lift heavy objects, climb, and push up to 90 pounds and to work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions. Please check yes to acknowledge that you are aware of the working conditions.

• Yes
• No

07

Please list any certifications and licenses you hold that are pertinent to this job classification. If none please type N/A.

08

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 9-11 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to these questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit.

DO NOT RESPOND WITH SEE RESUME in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Raters will not have access to your resume or application at this step in the process. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to questions 9-11.

For questions 9-11, make sure you read the question and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 9-11.

• Yes
• No

09

Of your related work experience, how would you describe your role with and around heavy equipment?

• I have no experience working with or around heavy equipment
• I have no direct experience with or around heavy equipment, but I am interested in learning
• I have worked with and around light equipment
• I have worked around heavy equipment
• I have worked operating heavy equipment
• I have extensive experience with operating and working around heavy equipment

10

Please check the boxes of all of the below listed equipment that you have training on and verifiable work experience operating.

• Dump Trucks
• Vactor Trucks
• Back Cutters
• High velocity and vacuum combo trucks
• Reel trucks
• Continuous Rodding machines
• Semi-Tractor Trailer
• Front End Loader (over 20,000 GVWR)
• None of the above but willing to learn

11

In 500 words, please describe in detail, your experience operating equipment such as those described in the job announcement: Vactor Truck, Back Cutters, Dump Trucks, Continuous Rodding Machines, etc.

Include equipment type, your primary responsibilities, employers, and dates of employment. If you do not have any experience with a type of equipment, indicate which pieces of equipment with which you dont have experience. If you do not have any experience in this area, respond with "N/A".

12

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Other

13

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov